Section Manager, Supply Planning & Production Control

Functional area:  Supply Chain/Logistics
Location:  Japan
City:  Yachiyo, Chiba
Company name:  Edwards Japan Ltd
Date of posting:  Mar 18, 2026

Your future job

 

Your role

You will re responsible on

Integrated Supply Planning & MPS Leadership

  • Develop and maintain mid‑term supply plans (0–24 weeks) aligned with S&OP/IBP decisions and factory constraints.
  • Own the Master Production Schedule (MPS), applying finite‑capacity logic, production leveling (heijunka), and realistic lead-time models.
  • Ensure planning stability, adherence, and proactive scenario‑based adjustments under demand variability.
  • Govern planning master data accuracy (MOQ, safety stock, lot size, lead-time)..

 

Tactical & Operational Production Control

  • Lead short-term scheduling, work order release, sequencing, and plan execution to support stable manufacturing performance at both Yachiyo and Ina.
  • Manage material availability, shortages, exception messages, and daily cross-functional escalation routines.
  • Ensure timely ECN implementation (cut‑in/cut‑out) with minimal disruption.

 

CrossFunctional Coordination & Decision Support

  • Act as the operational hub between Manufacturing, Procurement, Logistics, Engineering, Quality, and Global Supply Chain teams.
  • Provide structured, data‑driven trade‑offs balancing capacity, materials, cost, and service.
  • Lead operational participation in S&OP/IBP, customer escalations, and inter‑site alignment.

 

Inventory Strategy & Risk Management

  • Implement inventory strategies (safety stock, DOH targets, E&O prevention) aligned with Planning & Operations Department guidelines.
  • Conduct scenario planning for demand spikes, supply shortages, capacity disruptions, and emergency recovery.
  • Support Business Continuity Planning (BCP) initiatives and maintain readiness for supply or factory disruptions.

 

Digital Enablement & KPI Performance

  • Ensure high-quality planning data across ERP/MRP (SAP), MES, and planning dashboards.
  • Drive digital capability improvements and adoption of standard planning processes.
  • Track and improve KPIs:
    • OTD / plan adherence
    • Inventory turns & DOH
    • Forecast consumption and stability
    • Master data health
  • Identify root causes of deviations and implement sustainable improvements..

 

People Leadership & Capability Development

  • Lead and develop the planning and production control team, ensuring clear roles, escalation logic, and standard work.
  • Build Planning Excellence capabilities, including digital literacy, scenario modeling, and cross-functional communication.
  • Foster a culture of ownership, transparency, compliance, and continuous improvement aligned with  Internal Project

To succeed, you will need

  • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field.
  • 8+ years of experience in supply planning, production planning, or production control in discrete manufacturing (machining/assembly preferred).
  • Strong ERP/MRP literacy (SAP preferred) and analytical capability; Excel and dashboarding tools proficiency.
  • Demonstrated cross-functional coordination and problem‑solving skills.
  • Strong capability in scenario planning, risk assessment, and decision support.
  • Business‑level English and fluent Japanese preferred.

In return, we offer

  • Culture of trust and accountability
  • Lifelong learning and career growth
  • Innovation powered by people
  • Comprehensive compensation and benefits
  • Health and well-being

Job location

 Hybrid
This role offers a hybrid working arrangement, allowing you to split your time between working remotely and being on-site at our Yachiyo Factory in Chiba, Japan.

Contact information

 Talent Acquisition Team: Takara Kubota

 

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